Many homeowners find that their budget or time frame only allows them to replace one home improvement project at a time. Depending on the circumstances, you may decide to prioritize either windows or siding.
Choosing to pursue one before the other could result in damage to the new installation. Fortunately, most home improvement contractors are experienced in replacing both siding and windows.
Cost of Materials
Replacing both windows and siding can be a big expense. It’s important to address any underlying issues like rot or moisture damage, which can lead to more expensive structural problems and mold growth.
Window replacement is usually the first project that homeowners tackle since it has a direct impact on your home’s energy profile siding replacement, as well as your curb appeal. It’s a good idea to invest in energy-efficient double-pane windows with argon gas in-between and low-E coatings to minimize UV light, noise, and heat transfer.
Siding can be costly, too, but it adds value to your home and makes it less susceptible to weather damage. It’s also easier to maintain and resists mildew. Many siding projects will require a permit, which can add to the cost of the project. It’s a smart idea to consult with a contractor who can pull the required permits on your behalf. This will help keep your project on time and budget.
Cost of Labor
The price for labor varies by the material you choose. Vinyl siding is the cheapest to install, while more expensive materials, like brick and stone, require specialized tools and higher labor rates.
The size of your home is another factor that increases cost. Larger homes require more siding, which increases your installation costs. And if your home has gables or rakes (the angled corners of your roof), those will add extra labor to the project, as well.
If you’re replacing windows and siding, it’s often more affordable to do them at the same time. This helps to ensure the proper installation of insulation, which will also save on energy costs. Insulation is one of the best ways to save money on your energy bills and protect your home from moisture and drafts. It’s also a smart investment because it will increase your home’s value when you sell. It’s important to hire a reputable contractor to ensure your insulation is installed properly.
Curb Appeal
When potential home buyers see your listing they will first look at the exterior and landscaping. This first impression is often considered curb appeal and can make or break the sale. It is also the determining factor in whether someone will even walk inside to see the rest of the property.
Creating a welcoming exterior is the key to increasing curb appeal and can be accomplished by a variety of simple tasks. For example, a fresh coat of paint or clean landscaping are inexpensive ways to improve your curb appeal. You can even plant some flowers to give your front yard some color throughout the year.
Adding new windows can also have a positive impact on your home’s curb appeal. Vinyl windows are attractive, energy efficient, and easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice for your home. James Hardie fiber cement siding is another option that delivers great value and a beautiful appearance. This material is extremely durable, weather resistant and comes in a wide range of colors to suit any style.
Energy Efficiency
Aside from the cost savings, siding and windows that are installed at the same time also provide a better energy efficiency. This is because the newer materials have a higher R-value, which means they are better at blocking out heat from the sun and keeping your home insulated.
When deciding which to tackle first, you should consider your existing window frame’s condition. Any rotting boards or moisture leaks in the old frames should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent bigger issues, like costly repairs or skyrocketing utility bills.
The other reason to replace your windows before your siding is because capping (the metal caps that cover the exterior wood trim around your window openings and frame) can get damaged during a siding installation project. Replacing the capping at the same time as your new windows saves you from having to pay to have it done again down the road, as well as saves your contractor from having to cut through your newly-installed siding to reach the window.